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A little bird tells us you a new graduate, where & what did you study?

I completed a BA Honours in Three Dimensional Design at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2017 with a first class degree.

What is your practice? Materials? Processes?

When it comes to expressing my narratives, my passion for design comes through in my ideas with clay. I find clay as a medium limitless and unpredictable at the same time, it encourages me to push its boundaries in a variety of methods, using techniques such as; hand-forming, texturing, press-moulding and casting, with final applications of coloured slips, body stains and glazes.

In my current practice I use heads in my work because facial features are a vehicle for expression; the face tells us the most about an individual’s mood, personality and state of mind.

Through this I explore common traits and behaviours, such as difficulty expressing emotion, struggling managing changes and a strong sense of not fitting within self or society. These issues are expressed through ideas of fragmentation, fracturing and dilemmas associated with touch and handling.

We all might recognise some of these characteristics, so although coming from an autistic perspective I aim to challenge perceptions, leading towards a better understanding of the autistic condition translating visually, physically, and emotionally through engagement with my work.

What 5 words best describe your work?

Tactile, Unique, reflective, abstract, Colourful.

What are your plans now you have graduated?

My aim is to be a high end practitioner exhibiting here and abroad

Do you have any design heroes?

My design heroes are those that still chose to push themselves and fight the system, to pursue their goals or dreams, having experienced any disabling condition.

Where is your studio?

As well as working from home. I am part of Artist in Residence at Manchester College, where I enjoy influencing new upcoming artists, by providing workshops, tutorials and talks, whist sharing their facilities and furthering my practise in ceramics.

Are you working on anything unusual at the moment? Commissions? New work?

I am currently exploring in large scale with white porcelain clay. Towards my new serious of work to be exhibited next year. To see my development and any upcoming exhibitions you can follow me on Instagram: igoedesigns or on my website:

What will you be selling at YULEDO? Anything new?

I will be showcasing and selling work from my collection ‘Experimentation from it’s Rawest to Design’. A range of unique ceramic heads individually depicting the traits and features from each of my exhibited pieces. From wall-hangings with secret departments, container heads used to store something precious inside. And pocket heads made to be handled by the individual to release stress and anxiety.

If you won £100 which artists work would you buy at YULE DO?

That’s a hard one! Would have to say Helen Tiffany’s glass.

Tell us something we don’t know

I like to reinforce the idea of imperfections, by exaggerating the surface cracks, dripping glazing, using patterns that appear fractured, with deep vibrant colours exploding within the forms. All to create impact to challenge the expectation of what is seen as an imperfection, where it becomes something more engaging and beautiful, to the point where it is no longer an imperfection.

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I’m Hannah Lago and I run jewellery brand Tea Party at the Zoo. All designs are sketched by me and inspired by animals and vintage nostalgia. I then digitally format my designs so they can be laser cut onto acrylic perspex and plywood. Both materials are great for statement jewellery as they are lightweight which allows me to be adventurous with scale. I also create hair combs!

What 5 words best describe your work?

Playful, colourful, happy, fun, free

Do you have any design heroes?

I’m amazed by the sculpture and installations of Yayoi Kusama and Niki De Saint Phalle. I also admire them for their authenticity and breaking through a male dominated art world.

Emilio Pucci, Age of Reason and Karen Mabon for detailed, illustrative accessories. Sophie Cochevelou for challenging what materials can be used to make jewellery. Iris Apfel is my ultimate style icon.

Where is your studio?

My studio is called Marketplace Studios based in Stockport town centre. There are cobbled streets leading to the studio and it is opposite the beautiful historic market. The studios were opened by MMU to encourage art graduates to set up their own businesses.

Are you working on anything unusual at the moment? Commissions? New work?

I’m focusing on my festive designs and plan to release them on to a new Etsy shop I am working on for Christmas

What will you be selling at YULEDO? Anything new?

My favourite product are my new fox earrings, they come in orange and fluorescent orange and are an odd pair – head and tail motifs! I will be also selling my Christmas range colourful everyday range…I believe bright accessories should be worn all year round!

If you won £100 which artists work would you buy at YULE DO?

Beautiful glassware by Catherine Mahe. I would save them for dessert!

Tell us something we don’t know

I graduated in Textiles but probably only touched a sewing machine once at university! Thankfully my course was very open but I would love to experiment with 3D courses such as ceramics, silver smithing and 3D printing.

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I am a Surface Pattern Designer creating prints inspired by nature, stories and moments across a range of home textiles, gifts and stationery.

Much of the inspiration for my prints comes from exploring the flora and fauna of our British countryside. The plants that grow on my balcony garden and the wildlife they attract also have a big influence on my work.

My prints often start with sketched ideas, which I then develop using lots of different disciplines including hand drawn illustrations, painting and traditional techniques such as lino printing. Once my designs are ready I work them into repeat patterns digitally for a range of products.

What 5 words best describe your work?

Nature, wildlife, cosy, characterful, colourful

Do you have any design heroes?

Lucienne Day, William Morris, Josef Frank and many more including the amazing bunch of designer makers I have been lucky enough to meet since starting my small business.

Where is your studio?

I currently work between my spare room and dining room table, so I am quickly running out of space and constantly juggling boxes and falling over things. I dream of having a ‘proper’ studio one day (hopefully with slightly more space!)

Are you working on anything unusual at the moment? Commissions? New work?

I have recently started putting together ideas for Spring / Summer 2019 using inspirations I have collected throughout the last year. I’m also excited to work on some bespoke orders including custom lampshades and wedding stationery.

What will you be selling at YULEDO? Anything new?

I will be bringing my new ‘Into the Forest’ collection of homewares along with lots of Christmas cards, wrapping paper and gifts – also hopefully some new wooden laser cut christmas decorations if they’re finished in time!

If you won £100 which artists work would you buy at YULE DO?

I would buy a big plant pot and candle from the lovely Rebecca at White Light Ceramics.

Tell us something we don’t know

I have a small balcony garden in central Manchester where I grow lots of wildflowers, nasturtiums and edibles which attract bees, butterflies, birds and even the odd cricket in the summer months…

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I make handmade pots which I turn into Birds, working with Grogged clay and Porcelain clay. I use the pinch pot method, joining them together making an egg shape, then working them into Birds.

Some are fired by the Raku method, which takes the pots from a very, very hot kiln placing it in sawdust giving me the lovely colours that you get with Raku. The Porcelain Birds I make I carve into them then add colour and glaze in an electric kiln.

What 5 words best describe your work?

Colourful, Tactile, Affordable, Different, Beautiful.

Do you have any design heroes?

I Love Giacometti stretched figures , also John Maltby work .

Where is your studio?

My Studio is in the Garage In my garden, which I share.

Describe in 10 words a typical day in your studio

Coffee, radio, tidy, wedge clay, pinch pots, join shape, bird.

Are you working on anything unusual at the moment? Commissions? New work?

I have been making some different for Christmas.

What will you be selling at YULEDO? Anything new?

Birds will be coming with me, I have also been making Angels and Christmas trees.

If you won £100 which artists work would you buy at YULE DO?

I would treat myself to something from Designs by Mia.

Tell us something we don’t know

I lived in VENEZUELA for three years visiting a lot of potters which sparked my interest.

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We are raising further funds for local cause “we’ve got Violet’s back”. Tickets cost £3 each or two tickets for £5 and you stand a chance to win one of these beautiful one off pieces by our amazing artists and makers.

HOW TO BUY TICKETS

• Contact us on saleartsm33@gmail.com to buy a ticket online

• Buy a ticket at the Yule Do on the 17th November at St Paul’s Church in Sale

Are you working on anything unusual at the moment? Commissions? New work?

I’ve just finished a painting of dahlia which is a commission. Lots of lush magenta.

What will you be selling at YULEDO? Anything new?

Lots of limited edition prints, cards, gifts and cushions. I hope to have limited edition prints available of my Dahlia. I also have some rich lush velvet tulip cushions printed and made in Macclesfield, which i’m over the moon with.

If you won £100 which artists work would you buy at YULE DO?

Sophie Nixon.

Tell us something we don’t know

This is my second career. Having taken Art Alevel I abandoned my creative self and became a lawyer! It’s never too late to follow your dream!

I Don’t Particularly Follow Other Peoples Work But I Do Greatly Admire Joe Cornish’s Landscapes.I Love His Sympathetic And Non Over Cooked Viewed Of The World.

Where is your studio?

At Home And Of Course The Great Outdoors.

Describe in 10 words a typical day in your studio

Always Trying To Prioritise What Takes Priority On That Day!

Are you working on anything unusual at the moment? Commissions? New work?

I have got quite a lot of unsorted photographs to work my way through and select some for special attention. Also have a lot of fine art Giclee printing to be done for myself and others.

What will you be selling at YULEDO? Anything new?

Yes I Am Selling A3 Prints In Bespoke Frames, A4 Mounted Prints For The Buyers Own Frame, Smaller Framed Prints And Greetings Cards. I Am Supporting The Charity Mind With The Sale Of My Cards. Hoping To Expand That Support

Our next event is the Yule Do, nearly 30 artists and makers showing their work at St Paul’s Church in Sale on Saturday 17th November.

We will randomly select one person who likes & shares the original post (we can’t see it if you share a friend’s share) and they will win a £50 voucher to spend with one of our makers. (The voucher is to be spent with one of our makers and has no cash redemption value).

Please like the post, copy in a craft loving friend and share the original post for a chance to win.